Shimano Tiagra R400 Aero Brake Levers

Comments:

I bought these to go with a set of Tektro R556 55-73 mm Reach Dual-Pivot Calipers as an upgrade to an older road bike and am very happy. The hoods are nicely rounded and are comfy. Overall, the levers have a very high quality feel. These were easy to install and included cables and wire-ends which was a bonus. You should note that these levers do not have an extra quick release to open up your brake calipers.

Comments:

I replaced some old Gipiemme non-aero brake levers on my 80's Pinarello with these. These Shimano levers are a huge improvement. I notice a much greater difference in braking power, and my handlebars have a much cleaner look and feel without the cables coming out of the top of my levers. They feel great under my hands and they work great. I chose the Shimano levers over the Tektros and the Cane Creek levers because the grip/hoods of the Tektro and Cane Creek levers felt a little too chunky in my hands. The Shimanos have a great look and feel to them. One could go with the Dura-Ace/Ultegra version of these, but my understanding is that the only differences between these and those are cosmetic; the Dura Ace levers are less shiny and have a slightly more textured hood (on the Tiagra version, the hood is just smooth). Functionally, I understand these levers are the same. Only downside is that these seem to make a slight - SLIGHT - rattling sound on rough roads IF the hands aren't on the hoods or otherwise touching the levers. No big deal in my view; the performance improvement alone is worth the LITTLE bit of extra noise. 5/5 I am very happy with the purchase.